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2018 Twins Highlights: Mauer Milestones and More

Among the best reasons to keep following the Twins over the course of the season was to see Joe Mauer, in possibly is final season, take aim at the record book. Joe’s legacy has already long been secure, but in 2018 he put his name atop several categories, surpassing some of the greatest and most beloved players in Twins history.

The latest in the season the Twins held a record over .500 was April 21 when they were 8-7. Being basically a non-factor for so much of the summer put a strain on a fan base hungry for a contender. While the team never really found its footing, Mauer provided some nice alternate story lines to follow in his race to the top of several lists.

A lot of the season’s brightest moments were provided courtesy of No. 7, but there was a time earlier in the season when I wasn’t convinced Mauer was ever going to play again. Joe made a few dives in the field on May 11, one of them particularly jarring, but passed concussion tests after that game. A little over a week later, he was experiencing balance issues and light sensitivity.

Mauer was placed on the disabled list May 19 with what the team described as a cervical strain and concussion-like symptoms. The team made it sound like it was a precautionary move, but brain injuries are so mysterious and elusive. Even the team didn’t have a solid grasp on why the symptoms were ongoing.

With his history of concussions, expiring contract and a growing family, I thought there was a chance that was the last we were going to see Joe in uniform. Looking from the outside in, it was easy to see plenty of reasons why he might just hang ‘em up right there and then.

Thankfully, the issues subsided and Mauer was able to return to the Twins June 15. It took him some time to get back up to speed, but he went on to hit .298/.342/.411 (.753) over his final 78 games of the season. He capped it all off by hitting .379/.455/.488 (.903) over an emotional final home stand in which Twins Territory made sure it’s homegrown star knew he was appreciated.

Here’s a quick look back at some of the milestone moments and big hits Mauer provided in 2018:

This feels like a great moment to drop in a joke to lighten the mood, but unfortunately I’m fresh out. Instead, here’s a collection of light-hearted moments from the 2018 season guaranteed to put a smile on your face:

Only one player at each position (except OF) gets the gold glove. Was Mauer ever "the best" defender at 1B? Of course not.

Besides, Dozier was gifted a gold glove last year. The panel wasn't going to gift two Twins infielders at the same time barring some amazing double play stat going on (in which case the award wouldn't be a 'gift'.)

Having said all that, the Gold Glove is (mostly) a popularity contest and the award doesn't mean a lot these days anyway. The Platinum Glove is something to be proud of, though.

Only one player at each position (except OF) gets the gold glove. Was Mauer ever "the best" defender at 1B? Of course not.

Besides, Dozier was gifted a gold glove last year. The panel wasn't going to gift two Twins infielders at the same time barring some amazing double play stat going on (in which case the award wouldn't be a 'gift'.)

Having said all that, the Gold Glove is (mostly) a popularity contest and the award doesn't mean a lot these days anyway. The Platinum Glove is something to be proud of, though.

That's the way it used to be. The managers still vote on it, but they're given better guidelines and take it more seriously now. They're given all the numbers, so it means a lot more now than it did, say, 15 years ago.

The Platinum Glove is voted on by the fans, so that one may be more questionable... though I think the fans got it right when they voted for Buxton last year (And Andrelton Simmons has won it a couple times, I believe).